Around the Web

In this issue of the Plastics Technology e-newsletter we begin a new feature in which we introduce subscribers to industry websites that we find are particularly interesting and useful. This month, we invite you to take a look at D-M-E Plastics University, a partnership between D-M-E, Madison Heights, Mich., and Ferris State University. The University consists of a curriculum of eight on-line mold technology courses that advance from the basic principles of mold print reading and mold base technologies, to more advanced topics in mold design and function. There are eight modules in all, covering topics such as mold print reading, runner/gate design and injection molding. Take a whirl; it’s free.

Other suppliers have some neat little tools on their site as well. Progressive Components, Wauconda, Ill., has a cool maintenance calculator that helps users schedule maintenance for their mold. And the film calculator from TechFlow Design and Manufacturing, Mississauga, Ont., allows users to figure out a wide range of blown-film processing parameters, such as blow up and draw down ratio, specific output, line speed, roll diameter and weight, the time it takes to make a roll, trimmed lay flat, annual output and many more.

Conference Examines ‘Leading Edge’ of Molding

Don’t miss the Early Registration discount, which ends Aug. 15, for the third in our successful series of injection molding conferences. In Leading Edge Molding, we are focusing on several “hot” areas of current innovation that represent new opportunities for molders. Our two-day conference will have half-day sessions on In-Mold Assembly, In-Line Compounding and Molding of Long-Fiber Thermoplastics, Molding Biopolymers and Wood-Plastic Compounds. The conference also includes additional speakers on emerging technologies such as encapsulating RFID tags in the mold, in-mold painting, molded automotive glazing, foam molding of liquid silicone rubber (LSR), and pushing the limits of micromolding. Our bonus luncheon speaker will update molders on what they need to know to make sure their machines comply with newly published ANSI safety standards.

For the second straight month, Plastics Technology’s Injection Molding Business Index dropped 5% compared to the corresponding period of 2006. Activity was down virtually across the board. But plastics economist Bill Wood of Mountaintop Economics is still sticking to his guns that business conditions improve beginning in the fall. Overall for 2007, Wood is projecting the molding index will improve by 4% from 2006. Meantime, the extrusion business is pretty much in the same shape. Our Extrusion Business Index declined by 7% in the latest month when compared with a year ago. This followed an 8% decrease during the previous month. Again, the slips were across the board, with film and sheet processors faring the best. Despite the bump in the road, Wood is projecting the index to increase by 3% by the end of the year vs. 2006.

Cover Story:

3D Molding Simulation Going Gangbusters

In the August issue of Plastics Technology, Senior Editor Mikell Knights examines new developments in 3D molding simulation. A technology that used to be applicable to possibly 5 percent of simulation applications is now finding a home in processes such as gas assist, coinjection, and multi-shot molding. Learn more here.

New Technology Spotlight :

New presses to debut at upcoming K
Coatings Boost Performance of In-Mold Decorating Films
New barrier screw boosts film, sheet output
Now you can ‘frost’ PET bottles

Did you check out the article on the ‘extreme’ pultruder mentioned above? Is there anything innovative that your company has done to gain the edge over your competitors? If so, email Matt Naitove and you could be featured in Plastics Technology.